Western New England University has received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) to explore a nutrition-based nanomedicine strategy for Alzheimer’s disease.

The project, led by Shuhua Bai, professor of pharmaceutics, will investigate how blueberry-derived exosomes may support brain health through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. The research team includes Dean John M. Pezzuto of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Dr. Tianzhi Yang, Dr. Eun-Jung Park, and external collaborator Amal Kaddoumi of the Medical College of Georgia.

“This award allows us to explore how natural food-derived nanomedicine can shape the future of Alzheimer’s prevention,” said Bai.

Students will actively participate in the research, gaining laboratory experience and training in precision nutrition. “This investment highlights the power of connecting agriculture, nutrition, and human health,” said Pezzuto. “It reinforces WNE’s role as a growing hub for interdisciplinary research with real-world impact.”